Fota backers pay the price

Gowran racegoers were left unhappy at events on and off the track, having been denied the chance to watch Moscow Flyer on television. By Michael Clower

THOSE who backed Fota Island at 1-2 for the novice chase at Gowran Park were left out of pocket when the favourite was run out of it close home by Edward O’Grady’s 10-1 shot Colonel Monroe, who was given an inspired ride by Paddy Flood. Mouse Morris is convinced that his beaten favourite will be a different proposition in the spring, while rider Conor O’Dwyer reported: “I wasn’t able to get his jumping into the same rhythm as I did when he won at Navan last time and I lost ground at several of the fences in the back straight.”

O’Dwyer had better luck with Emotional Article in the Concrete Pumping Handicap Hurdle. The 6-1 favourite won far more easily than the length margin would suggest, filling trainer Tom Taaffe with hope for Kicking King today. “That’s a good omen,” he said, “and I couldn’t believe the price. Both the